ABOUT CineMuseFilms

ABOUT film reviews

Reading film reviews is like joining a busy conversation. Most of the talk is about plot descriptions, casting, acting and production details. My reviews are more interested in a film’s context, theme, genre, originality, and how cinematic techniques help or hinder the film’s message.. Film criticism contributes to film literacy and enjoyment of the artform. There are many different ways to review a film, and none are right or wrong. Reading a variety of reviews expands our understanding and enhances the visual pleasures of cinema.

ABOUT me

My love of film spans several decades during which time I’ve had many careers and helped raise three much-loved children. I’ve had military and public service, and have been a senior academic and a professional photographer. I have three Bachelor degrees (in sociology, psychology, media and communications) two Master degrees and a Doctorate in politics. I’m currently doing a MA in film studies. Please forgive me if I sometimes sound a bit academic; I try not to. I’m telling you all this because our background shapes how we see films and it might help to know where I’m coming from.

ABOUT my blogs

With so many movie eras, niches and waves out there, why does this blog emphasise current movies? Film is one of the most hyper-linked artforms on the planet; every film is connected in some way to every other film through technology, culture, theme or history. You can jump into the vast ocean of film anywhere you like and there is a label for every taste: the silent era, Hollywood classics, the post-modern, European avant-garde, and so on. I enjoy watching the crest of new waves coming onto the shore, pushed by everything behind them. They are the current films.

I publish two reviews a week, of about 500 words. I use a five-star rating system based on a film’s narrative coherance, emotional impact, cinematography, and overall significance as a cultural artefact. The ratings are relative to other similar films in the same genre. My reviews pull no punches and do no favours. They are my opinions and mine alone. All feedback is welcome and thank you for visiting.

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10 Comments

Hi Richard, Thank you for your follow, hence why you find me here. I am intrigued by your take on film reviews…I am not much of a film watcher myself I generally have my head in a book..ha ha but saying that some of the few I have watched over the years appear on your list of reviews. Have a lovely day 🙂